When nickel, titanium or zirconium alloys are not enough...

• Immune to numerous acids and chemicals (corrosion tables)
• Better corrosion resistance than nickel alloys, titanium or zirconium
• High strength and stiffness in vacuum and inert gas up to 2000°C (3600°F)
• Can become brittle when used in oxygen above 300°C
• High purity and biocompatibilty
• Tantalum grades, specifications and chemistry
• Datasheet for tantalum
• Threaded flange features and benefits

Tantalum threaded flanges are best known for its unmatched corrosion resistance and chemical inertness. Tantalum threaded flanges have a similar corrosion resistance to that of glass, but all of the typical mechanical and electrical properties of a metal.

Tantalum threaded flanges are also extremely stable at high temperatures, since tantalum has a melting point around 3000°C. High temperature applications require vaccum or inert gas since tantalum may embrittle when used in oxygen rich environments above 250°C.  Tantalum threaded flanges are also one of the most bio-compatible metals available and is also radio-opaque due to its high density (16.68 g/cm3).

All tantalum threaded flanges are available in the form of a tantalum loose linings or with the Ultra-Metal tantalum diffusion surface on select flange styles. Due to the cost and limited mechanical properties of tantalum, solid tantalum threaded flanges are rarely used. 

Contact our engineers to learn if tantalum threaded flanges are right for your application.

Resources: Tantalum Torque Spec, Flange Dimensions, Flange Bolting Chart

Flange Types Available: Blind Flanges, Lap Joint Flanges, Slip On Flanges, Socket Weld Flanges, Threaded Flanges, Weld Neck Flanges

Tantalum Grades, Specifications and Chemistry

Tantalum (Commercially Pure)

Commercially pure tantalum metal is 99.95% pure tantalum has some o the best corrosion resistant properties of any metal. While its corrosion resistance is exceptional, it is relatively soft and mechanically similar in strength to copper.

Tantalum Specifications: UNS R05200, ASTM B521, B708

Tantalum 2.5% Tungsten (Ta-2.5W)

This grade of tantalum alloyed with 2.5% tungsten provided better overall strength while maintaining its exception corrosion resistant properties. For tantalum fastener applications this is usually preferred.

Tantalum 2.5% Tungsten Specifications: UNS R05252, ASTM B521, B708

Physical Properties

• Density 16.6 g/cc
• Melting Point 3290 K, 2996°C, 5462°F
• Boiling Point 5731 K, 6100°C, 9856°F
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20°C) 6.5 x 10(-6) / °C
• Electrical Resistivity (20°C) 13.5 microhms-cm
• Electrical Conductivity 13% IACS
• Specific Heat .036 cal/g/°C
• Thermal Conductivity .13 cal/cm(2)/cm°C/sec

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Tantalum Tensile Data

Tantalum Iso-Corrosion Curves

Tantalum Corrosion Resistance Table

Tantalum Threaded Flange Features & Benefits

Tantalum threaded flanges have a tapered female thread to join the male threads of a pipe in order to create a tight seal. This type of flange is most ideal when post weld heat treatment is not possible in hazardous, flammable or explosive applications where welding is too dangerous. Tantalum threaded flanges are also convenient in pilot processes whose configuration is often changed.

Threaded Flange Advangtages

• The main benefit is that that threaded seal eliminates the need for welding.
• As they do not require welding they save time and money to install.
• Allow for connections to be made in dangerous, explosive applications where welding is not possible.
• Useful connection in materials that are difficult to create a successful and strong weld.
• Ideal for connecting small diameter pipes.
• Systems could be easily reconfigured.

Threaded Flange Disadvantages

• They are not suitable where high temperatures, frequent cyclic conditions or bending stresses are likely in applications.